6 Suggested Answers

Hi,
a 6ya expert can help you resolve that issue over the phone in a minute or two.
Best thing about this new service is that you are never placed on hold and get to talk to real repairmen in the US.
the service is completely free and covers almost anything you can think of.(from cars to computers, handyman, and even drones)
click here to download the app (for users in the US for now) and get all the help you need.Goodluck!

This is a very common problem with these machines. First of all you have to have a new camstack gear. Then you may need a tech to do it. The gears can be found for purchase on the internet with a search. If you feel you want to do it yourself contact me and I'll tell you how but its very involved and many things have to be done just right for it to work.
Rick

The problem is that of a stuck piston detent on the pattern selector support that snaps the top cover closed.

Open the light cover

Apply pressure with thumbs on the bottom edge of the top cover on both the right and left sides of the cover. The cover should pop up...Too much pressure on the left side, (if this thing is really stuck) and you might break the top cover at the thread tension slot. Be careful here....

Add a drop of acetone (fingernail polish remover) to the piston detent and work it free by pushing it back and forth. Avoid getting any acetone on the painted surfaces of the machine.

Continue to work free, repeating with a few drops of acetone, and wipe clean. Don't oil this part. It was a petroleum product combined with a galvanic process (aluminum and steel) that caused the problem in the first place, not to mention age.

Use DTE Heavy Medium oil rather than a white or clear oil when you lubricate your machine. White oils are unstable and will oxidize (decay) much more quickly. Also avoid 3 in 1 oil and stuff like WD40....very bad....

Oil 1/2 a drop on those prescribed areas. Too much oil is more harmful than not enough....

Sewing machines needs full service now and then (every 10 years will often do). The motor on the 730 series is actually as powerful as they get on domestic machines, and handles just about everything that fits under the pressure foot. Only if the machine has been used a lot over the years are the brushes worn down, but it might need new grease not matter how little it has been used.

However, the stitch applications can sort of gum or clog up if the machine has not been used for ages. Take a look in the manual and oil ever point suggested every time you take out the machine. Try them now and then on slow speed, that might get every function to run smoothly again.

This is as good a machine as any out there, favorably compared to any new machine under 500£. It sews perfect stitches on just about any material, and is well worth a full professional service (At a shop they will always recommend a new machine they want to sell you). All kinds of pressure feet and accessories are available in regular sewing shops and online.

Check with different shops for price on full service. This is a great machine what ever they tell you.

Tell us some more! Your answer needs to include more details to help people.You can't post answers that contain an email address.Please enter a valid email address.The email address entered is already associated to an account.Login to postPlease use English characters only.

Most likely. If the lever has been damaged, it may be found by picking up a machine (for parts or repair)--check eBay. Check with your Bernina dealer. Frequently, they will have parts from used machines.

There are actually two Bernina 730 machines (confusing, huh?). One is the 730 Record from around 1960. The other is the more modern 730 computerized model made in the 21st century.

The 730 Record has a hidden pressure adjustment. Lift the top cover and locate the screwhead on the very left side (left of the takeup lever knuckles). This screw loosens or tightens the spring that applies pressure on the presser foot.
The manual can be downloaded here, although it does not show the pressure adjustment: BERNINA Sewing Systems

On the computerized 730, the pressure adjustment is on the screen (pg 37 of the manual):

Service manuals are difficult to find for most sewing machines, which Bernina is not an exception. However, there is a Yahoo Group called "BerninaThirtySomethings" that has conversations, documents, photos, etc. for the vintage Berninas including the 730 Record. You can join the group (must have a Yahoo email account) and download a variety of documents including a "Setting Manual" for the 730.

Most likely needs a good cleaning and oiling. The old oil has turned gummy and has frozen the selector knob mechanism. Might try directing hot air from a handheld hair dryer into the interior mechanism toward the buttonhole mechanism to help get the old oil loosened. (Even if it comes loose with hair dryer, it still needs a good clean/oil to keep it all working.)